Thermo-electric generator



(No Model.)

H. B. COX. THERMO BLBGTRIG GENERATOR Patented Nov.

WZ'JVESSES Ntra Prion.,

AfrnNT HARRY BARRNGER COX, OF HARTFORR' CONNECTICUT.

SPECIFICATION forming part -Jf Letters Patent No. 529,711, datedNovember 27, 1 894.

Application and Tammy 3.1,-1 894.

To all w/wm z-t rit/.ty concern,-

Beit known that. I, HARRY BARRINGER Cox, of Hartford, -in the county ofHartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Operating Thermo-Electric Generators; and I do herebydeclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description ofthe invention,which will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use thesame, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of referencemarked thereon, which form'v part of this Specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in `generating thermoelectric energy and in machines for producing the same.

The object of this invention is to provide an improved method ofstoringheat from a central source of supply and supplying the heat equally toall portions of the electric generator.

A further object of this invention is to store and use the heat of acentral source of ther- .mic energy by means of liquid'conductiou FigureLis atop plan view of a battery of therino-electric generators, aportion of the outer casing being broken away at one end. Fig. 2, is avertical sectional view through the same.

in the drawings the reference letter a, indicates the thermo-electricgenerators, three being here shown, suitably coupled together by wires2, in Water tight tubes 3.

Each generator is built up in any suitable and desirable manner,preferably of series of rings of thermo-couples electrically connectedtogether in the usual manner and built up in cylindrical form.

The generators are here shown located parallel and close. togetherandinclosed in a casing or water jacket b, which is arranged to be sena no.498,660. on man.)

supplied with cold water to maintain the outer surfaces or junctions ofthe thermo couples of the generators'cool and to supply the coolingmedium therefor. These generators are arranged in this casing whichforms a single water jacket as here shownvfor all generators so thattheir entire outer surfaces are maiutained cool, suitable inlet andoutlet pipes being provided for the Water jacket.

e, indicates a liquid tank or receptacle here shown located beneath thegenerator and provided With the vertical pipes or conduits f, extendingup therefrom and filling the central openings of the generators. Thesevertical pipes or conduits are preferably closed at the top as shown andcan be provided with a pressure gage or thermometer or both if desired.A suitable source of heat such as g, is provided to heat the liquid inthe main tank hot so that the liquid in the tank stores up the heat fromsaid source and the liquid in the vertical stand pipes within thegenerators maintain the inner spaces of the generator hot and at an eventemperature. By employingthis means for maintaining the differences intemperature in the generators it will be observed that an extremelysimple and compact apparatus can be triade and that an apparatus verye'icient in construction and operation is employed 'and that the machinewill be very durable and lasting as the direct impingement ofthe flameagainst the inner surfaces of the generators is avoided with theconsequent disadvantages thereof. Furthermore an even heat is suppliedto all portions of the inner face of the generator in such a manner thatthe temperatures can be maintained at the point desired. It should alsobe noted that the heat from any suitable source can be stored in theliquid conductor and thereby imparted to the inner surfaces of the generator evenly and for an extended period,even though the source of heatmay vary in temperature and intenseuess. 4

It should be noted that the liquid conductor to apply the heat to theinnersurface of the generatoris entirely distinct from thecooling'liquid at the exterior ofthe generator and that the heatingmedium forms no part of the electric circuit or portions of thegenerator.

I do not wish to limit myself to any particular construction shown here,or to any peculiar liquid heat conducting and storing mediurns as thespecific constructions shown are merely intended as a practicalillustration of a suitable means for carrying out this invention. Itshould also be noted that this invention is not limited to theemployment of several generators, but that it can be employed with asingle generator, nor is it limited to the employment with a generatorhaving the outer cooling water jackets as my present invention comprisesbroadly the storage and use of a liquid conveyer of thermic energy andthermo electric generators.

It is evident that various changes might be made in the forms,arrrangements and constructions of parts described without departingfrom the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not wish to limitmyself to the exact construction herein -set forth but consider myselfentitled to all such changes as fall within the spirit and scope of myinvention. v

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim Vas new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. A thermo-electric generator having a confined body of liquid inclosedwithin its interior and means, substantially as described, for heatingsaid body of liquid, substantially as set forth.

2. A thermo-electric generator having an exterior cooling jacket and aninterior liquid bodyand means for heating said body of liquid.l

3. A thermo-electric generator having a surrounding water jacket, aliquid tank beneath the same provided with heating means and having astand pipe extending upwardly through the center of the electricgenerator so that the heat stored in said tank will be conveyed to theinner surface of the generator.

et. A series of electric generators suit-ably coupled togetherelectrically, a single water jacket inclosing said `generators to coolthe outer surfaces thereof, a liquid tank located beneath the generatorprovided with the stand pipe extending upwardly through the centerthereof, as and for the purpose set forth, and means to heat said tank,substantially as described.

5. A thermo-electric generator having a stationaryconfined body ofliquid within the same to heat the inner face of the pile, substantiallyas described.

6. A thermo-electric generator having a cooling agency for the cooljunctions of the thermo-couples and acontined body of liquid against theheated junctions of the couples, and heating means for said confinedbody, whereby heat is-stored therein as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I aliix my signaturein presence of two witnesses.

HARRY BARRIN GE R COX.

Witnesses:

O. E. DUFFY, C. M. WERLE.

